HARLINGEN, TX. - Joann Paula Kullin-Smith

59, passed into the perfect happiness and joy of Heaven on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. She was born December 8, 1948 in Harlingen, Texas to Joseph (Jak) A. Kullin and Paula Bartels Kullin, who preceded her in death.

Joann graduated from Harlingen High School in 1967 and from Southwestern University in 1971 with degrees in Art and English. Following her graduation she taught seventh grade in Brazoria County, Texas. She then worked as an engineering designer of pacemakers at Intermedics Corp. in Freeport, Texas. During that time she met and married David Smith, formerly of Rio Hondo, Texas. After their marriage, she worked as a floral designer and then as a fashion display designer in Austin, Texas.

Joann and her husband graduated from St. Georges Anglican Seminary in San Antonio, Texas with Masters Degrees in Religion. Because of her inspiration, encouragement, and support, David was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church. Later they moved to Chandler, Arizona where she assisted her husband in their ministry at Saint Thomas of Canterbury parish in Tempe, Arizona.

In 2001, Joann and her husband returned to Harlingen to care for her parents. During the ensuing years, Joann was able to fully enjoy her passion
for art, flower gardening, reading, and care for the many animals that found love and safe haven at her home. She was well known for her hospitality and her love of life. The love of her many friends knew no bounds.

Joann is survived by her loving husband, The Very Reverend David Kullin-Smith, her aunt Sarah Marie Holmes of Austin, TX, her uncle Bill Bartels of Eatonville, WA, her cousins Melissa Hokett, Pinky Tutt, Scott Kullin, Kim Kullin, Tina Gardner, Kathie Holdbrook, Mary Kathryn Cloud, Stoke P. Holmes, and her beloved kitty Maisie.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 28th at 2 PM at First United Methodist Church, 312 E. Harrison St., Harlingen TX with reception to follow at the Church. The Reverend Milan Maymar of San Antonio TX will officiate.

Internment of ashes will be at 10 AM Wednesday, October 1 st at Mont Meta Cemetery, San Benito TX.

You are invited to sign the guestbook or leave a condolence at www.buck-ashcraft.com.

Sign the guestbook at: http://legacy.com/ValleyStar/Obituaries.asp.